Date: June 30, 2020
MAC Press Release No. 37
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) hereby responds to the passage of “The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” by the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. Taiwan solemnly condemns the CCP for this arbitrary action that harms Hong Kong's core values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as their negative actions that further violate its commitment to grant the people of Hong Kong a "high degree of autonomy" and "50 years without change."
The MAC indicated that, since the CCP announced the drafting of a National Security Law on Hong Kong, there has been widespread skepticism and concern that people will be incriminated for speech and faulted on the slightest pretext. The law gives the CCP's national security agency in Hong Kong jurisdiction in so-called "specific situations" and exposes the people of Hong Kong to more fear and repression. Taiwan has always shared the international community's concern over developments in Hong Kong, we have never wavered in our supporting position for Hong Kong people's defense of their core values. Facing developments in Hong Kong, our government will further implement measures to care for the people of Hong Kong. A Hong Kong Humanitarian Aid Project has been announced, under which the Taiwan-Hong Kong Office for Exchanges and Services has been established and will begin official operations starting July 1 to provide necessary assistance to Hong Kong citizens.
The MAC stressed that, to safeguard national security and interests, the government will continue to closely monitor and duly respond to the implementation of the National Security Law on Hong Kong, its various impacts on Hong Kong, and subsequent actions taken by the CCP and Hong Kong government. The MAC stated that it will do its utmost to protect the safety of Taiwanese people in Hong Kong. It also reminded the Taiwanese people of potential risks in visiting Hong Kong. Taiwanese people in Hong Kong in troubled situations may contact the 24-hour emergency hotline (852-6143-9012) of the MAC's representative office in Hong Kong (local name: Taipei Economic and Cultural Office) for assistance.